Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake

Weeknight dinners in our house are all about balance—flavor, speed, and something everyone actually wants to eat. The first time I made this Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake, I wasn’t aiming for anything fancy, just a way to use up leftover chicken and some broccoli sitting in the crisper. But by the time it came out of the oven—bubbling, cheesy, and green with pesto—we all looked at each other like, “Okay, this one’s a win.”

What surprised me most was how fresh it tasted, despite being baked. That brightness from the pesto paired so well with the tender pasta and roasted broccoli. And the chicken made it hearty without being heavy. It’s one of those meals that comes together with what you’ve got, yet feels complete.

As a mom who needs dinner to be easy but still delicious, this bake quickly earned a permanent spot in our rotation. It feeds a crowd, reheats like a dream, and hits every note: creamy, herby, cheesy, and nourishing.

Short Description

A creamy, cheesy pasta bake layered with basil pesto, juicy chicken, and vibrant broccoli—comforting and vibrant, ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

For the bake

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or shell)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 3 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
• 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan

For creaminess

• ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• ½ cup low-fat milk or unsweetened plant milk

Seasonings or optional items

• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional heat)

Substitutions

• Dairy-free: swap yogurt for dairy-free alternative and use vegan cheese
• Gluten-free: choose GF pasta
• Vegetarian: replace chicken with extra broccoli or chickpeas

Tools Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Steamer or pot for broccoli
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Grater and measuring cups

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta and broccoli
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets to blanch. Drain pasta and broccoli together, then return to the pot.

Step 2: Preheat the oven
Set oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Combine sauce mixture
In a bowl, whisk together pesto, Greek yogurt, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 4: Assemble the bake
Pour sauce over pasta, broccoli, and chicken in the pot. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Transfer mixture into the baking dish.

Step 5: Add cheese topping
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.

Step 6: Bake until bubbly
Bake 20 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and serve
Let the bake rest for 5 minutes. Slice into squares and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Herb-forward comfort: basil pesto adds fresh flavor without extra work
• One-dish ease: fewer dishes to wash, more time at the table
• Family-friendly: cheesy, creamy, and full of veggies
• Meal prep magic: makes a big batch that reheats well
• Flexible build: swap chicken for chickpeas or use GF/dairy-free options

Helpful Tips and Cooking Notes

Cook pasta just until al dente—it will continue cooking in the oven, so you want it slightly firm to avoid mushiness. Blanching broccoli with the pasta ensures it stays bright green and tender.

Whisking the pesto with yogurt and milk helps it spread evenly and keeps the sauce creamy without being heavy. Greek yogurt adds richness plus a gentle tang.

After baking, let the dish rest briefly so the sauce sets, making it easier to cut clean slices and serve without a liquid mess.

If you find your bake a bit dry before serving, drizzle a splash of milk over the top after broiling to loosen the sauce and revive creaminess.

This dish adapts well to additions—consider stirring in cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach just before baking for extra color and nutrition.

Nutritional Benefits & Fun Facts

Broccoli is packed with vitamin C, fiber, and compounds known for their antioxidant effects. Basil pesto contributes healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, and chicken adds lean protein to make it a balanced choice for dinner.

Fun note: baking pasta dishes like this originated in Italy as a way to stretch family meals—layered, cheesy, and comforting meals with plenty of room for creativity.

Final Dish & Serving Suggestions

The bake emerges from the oven with cheese bubbling and a golden top. Beneath, you’ll find creamy pasta swirled with green pesto, succulent chicken, and flecks of broccoli. The flavors layer beautifully—herbaceous, savory, and homey.

Serve with a crisp salad, toasted bread, or a side of roasted cherry tomatoes for vibrant contrast. Add crushed red pepper for a gentle warming kick.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze single portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheat in the oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes. Dice raw chicken and sauté until just cooked through (about 5–7 minutes) before mixing with pasta.

2. Will the pesto sauce separate?
If it splits, stir in a splash of milk or yogurt after baking—it will recombine smoothly.

3. Can I double or halve the recipe?
Yes. Adjust pasta and broccoli proportionally, and use a smaller or larger baking dish as needed.

4. Is this vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, just skip the chicken and double the broccoli or add chickpeas for extra protein.

5. Can I prep it ahead and bake later?
Absolutely. Assemble in the dish, cover, refrigerate up to a day, then bake when ready.

Final Thoughts

This pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake is everything I want in family weeknight comfort food—herby, cheesy, easy, and nourishing. It feels fresh yet familiar, and leaves us all smiling at the table.

Let me know your favorite add-ins or swaps in the comments—I love seeing how you make it your own. If you enjoyed it, pin it for your next cozy night in!